News for 'Swatantra Kumar'

Swatantra Bharadwaj now claims he acted in self-defence

Swatantra Bharadwaj now claims he acted in self-defence

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Swatantra Bharadwaj, accused of assaulting Nishu Azad's father during a CJP protest, claims he acted in self-defence against a mob, stating he has video evidence and that medical reports show no serious injuries, contradicting earlier claims of a skull fracture.

Swatantra Bhardwaj sent to one-day judicial custody

Swatantra Bhardwaj sent to one-day judicial custody

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj has been remanded to one-day judicial custody by a Delhi court in connection with the alleged assault on the father of a student activist during a protest at Jantar Mantar. The Delhi Police have added charges under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and criminal intimidation, along with a POCSO case, following his detention and previous claims of "cracking the skull" of the activist's father.

Swatantra Bhardwaj was invited to Modi's swearing-in, I-Day celebration

Swatantra Bhardwaj was invited to Modi's swearing-in, I-Day celebration

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, known for provocative social media posts and claims of political proximity, has been detained in Bulandshahr. His detention follows a viral video where he boasted about assaulting a Jantar Mantar protester's father, leaving him with severe injuries, and claiming to have avoided jail due to political connections. Police acted after public outcry and protests.

Chirag Paswan rejects 'elder brother' claim by Swatantra Bhardwaj

Chirag Paswan rejects 'elder brother' claim by Swatantra Bhardwaj

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Union Minister Chirag Paswan has pledged to ensure justice for Nishu Azad's father, who was severely injured during protests at Jantar Mantar. Paswan has filed a formal complaint against Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, who allegedly assaulted Azad's father and boasted about it, claiming political connections. Bhardwaj has since been detained. Paswan also called for an investigation into molestation allegations against a state minister from his party.

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj held hours after viral video

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj held hours after viral video

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj was detained in Uttar Pradesh following a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demanding his arrest for allegedly assaulting a student's father and bragging about it, while the victim's daughter reported receiving rape threats and online abuse.

Swatantra Bharadwaj to be arrested in 72 hours: CJP cites police 'assurance'

Swatantra Bharadwaj to be arrested in 72 hours: CJP cites police 'assurance'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Delhi Police has assured the arrest of Swatantra Bharadwaj within 72 hours, who is accused of assaulting student activist Nishu Azad's father during a protest at Jantar Mantar. The assurance follows a video where Bharadwaj admitted to the assault and claims of political connections, prompting demands for stronger charges and action against online abuse targeting Nishu.

HC rejects Hindutva influencer Bhardwaj's plea against arrest; sends to jail

HC rejects Hindutva influencer Bhardwaj's plea against arrest; sends to jail

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj has been sent to 14-day judicial custody in connection with the alleged assault on a student activist's father during a protest at Jantar Mantar. Bhardwaj was detained after claiming he "cracked the skull" of the victim and escaped arrest due to political connections. Additional charges under the SC/ST Act, criminal intimidation, POCSO Act, and IT Act have also been added.

'Hindutva influencer' boasts of 'cracking skull' during CJP protest

'Hindutva influencer' boasts of 'cracking skull' during CJP protest

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

A self-styled Hindutva influencer, Swatantra Bhardwaj, accused of attacking a student agitator's father, purportedly claimed a phone call from Delhi minister Kapil Mishra helped him avoid jail. This sparked strong reactions from opposition parties, including Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, who questioned the BJP's protection of such individuals. Delhi Police, however, clarified that the injuries were simple and legal action was taken, denying any undue influence.

Nepal's Hindu Rashtra Debate

Nepal's Hindu Rashtra Debate

Rediff.com7 days ago

Nepal's Hindu groups have sought an all-party discussion on restoring Hindu-nation status within three months.

Shilpa Shetty, Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan At RSS' Centenary Celebrations

Shilpa Shetty, Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan At RSS' Centenary Celebrations

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Film folk like Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Shilpa Shetty, Karan Johar, Vicky Kaushal and Pritam attend RSS' centenary celebrations in Mumbai.

Haridwar: 8 arrested for offering namaaz in public

Haridwar: 8 arrested for offering namaaz in public

Rediff.com22 Jul 2022

The accused were later granted bail by the sub-divisional magistrate's (SDM) court, police said.

After 40 yrs, Bhopal gas waste to be shifted for disposal

After 40 yrs, Bhopal gas waste to be shifted for disposal

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

The work to remove 377 metric tonnes of hazardous waste from the now-defunct Union Carbide factory in Bhopal has begun. The waste will be transported to an incineration site in Pithampur near Indore, around 250 km from Bhopal. The move comes after the Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered the authorities to clear the site, 40 years after the deadly gas leak that killed thousands and left hundreds of thousands with health problems.

Narasimhanand picked up from Haridwar in Dharma Sansad case

Narasimhanand picked up from Haridwar in Dharma Sansad case

Rediff.com16 Jan 2022

The Uttarakhand police on Saturday picked up Yati Narasimhanand from his dharna site in Haridwar in connection with the case of Dharma Sansad where alleged hate speeches against Muslims were delivered.

40 yrs later, toxic waste shifted from Bhopal's Union Carbide factory

40 yrs later, toxic waste shifted from Bhopal's Union Carbide factory

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

Forty years after the Bhopal gas tragedy, 377 tons of hazardous waste has been shifted from the defunct Union Carbide factory for its disposal, an official said.

SC asks panel to decide on CBI probe against Yeddy

SC asks panel to decide on CBI probe against Yeddy

Rediff.com10 Feb 2012

The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Central Empowerment Committee, which is looking into the illegal mining issue, to verify whether a Central Bureau of Investigation probe is necessary against former Karnataka chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and his sons. A bench comprising Chief Justice S H Kapadia and Justices Aftab Alam and Swatantra Kumar issued the directive based on a petition seeking a probe against them.

Manoj, Rajkummar Party With Shah Rukh Khan

Manoj, Rajkummar Party With Shah Rukh Khan

Rediff.com12 Apr 2024

Power couples and STARS at a wedding reception.

Mandsaur violence: Ex-district collector, former SP suspended

Mandsaur violence: Ex-district collector, former SP suspended

Rediff.com21 Jun 2017

The third official who was suspended is Saikrishna S Thota, the then Mandsaur city superintendent of police.

FIR lodged, no arrest yet in Dharma Sansad case: U'khand cops

FIR lodged, no arrest yet in Dharma Sansad case: U'khand cops

Rediff.com24 Dec 2021

No arrest has been made yet in connection with alleged hate speeches delivered at a "Dharma Sansad" held in Uttarakhand's Haridwar recently to incite violence against the minorities, police said on Friday.

24 of BJP's outgoing RS members don't get renominated

24 of BJP's outgoing RS members don't get renominated

Rediff.com14 Feb 2024

Many senior BJP leaders and outgoing Rajya Sabha MPs, including seven Union ministers such as Dharmendra Pradhan and Bhupender Yadav, have not been renominated by the party for the biennial Rajya Sabha polls amid strong indications that several of them may contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

UP Dalits abandon BJP? Wins 8 of 17 SC seats, lowest in 3 polls

UP Dalits abandon BJP? Wins 8 of 17 SC seats, lowest in 3 polls

Rediff.com5 Jun 2024

The BJP had registered a one-sided victory on all the 17 SC-reserved seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. But in 2019, out of these 17 seats, it lost Nagina and Lalganj seats to the Bahujan Samaj Party.

Justice R M Lodha: Law is in his DNA

Justice R M Lodha: Law is in his DNA

Rediff.com14 Jul 2015

Justice Lodha's attribution of guilt to the owners of teams, rather than to individuals, has laid out the law of command and responsibility, responsibility by virtue of ownership of shareholding, team membership and holding out to be the face of the team, says Indira Jaising.

When Kejriwal Met Modi...

When Kejriwal Met Modi...

Rediff.com6 Dec 2022

What some of our political leaders were up to on Monday.

Mumbai: Rs 2500 crore cash, jewellery seized from 4 trucks

Mumbai: Rs 2500 crore cash, jewellery seized from 4 trucks

Rediff.com2 Jul 2013

The Income Tax Department and National Investigation Agency personnel have seized cash worth Rs 2,500 crore, and gold and diamond jewellery from four trucks in Mumbai and detained 47 people.

In 1st cabinet meet, Yogi extends free ration scheme for 3 months

In 1st cabinet meet, Yogi extends free ration scheme for 3 months

Rediff.com26 Mar 2022

A total of 15 crore people are benefiting from the programme in the state, Adityanath said.

Adityanath, RSS leaders meet at Dy CM Maurya's home

Adityanath, RSS leaders meet at Dy CM Maurya's home

Rediff.com23 Jun 2021

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday joined senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leaders for lunch at the home of Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, as the ruling party geared up for the assembly polls just months away.

Ahead of polls, babu-turned-Modi aide AK Sharma to focus on western UP

Ahead of polls, babu-turned-Modi aide AK Sharma to focus on western UP

Rediff.com8 Sep 2021

The Bharatiya Janata Party's Uttar Pradesh vice president Arvind Kumar Sharma will be reaching out to residents of western UP with public meetings in Noida, Greater Noida and Bulandshahr from Friday.

Why Gadkari was removed from top BJP body

Why Gadkari was removed from top BJP body

Rediff.com21 Aug 2022

For the first time, non-upper castes are in a majority in the board, as the party continues with its outreach to traditionally weaker and backward sections of society.

Those Who Could Not Be Rashtrapati

Those Who Could Not Be Rashtrapati

Rediff.com24 Jun 2022

Two women candidates; Lok Sabha Speakers; Chief Justices; A Chief Election Commissioner; drafters of the Constitution; the RBI's first Indian governor; a farm leader who unsuccessfully contested four times; an iconic Bharata Natyam dancer...

BJP gets support of 7 UP parties as Rajbhar cosies up to SP

BJP gets support of 7 UP parties as Rajbhar cosies up to SP

Rediff.com28 Oct 2021

SP and SBSP leaders had shared the dais in Mau on Wednesday and announced that they would together trounce the BJP in the 2022 elections.

Prachanda takes oath as Nepal's new PM for third time

Prachanda takes oath as Nepal's new PM for third time

Rediff.com26 Dec 2022

Prachanda took the oath of office and secrecy from President Bhandari at an official ceremony at Shital Niwas.

Bypolls: BJP trounces SP in strongholds, AAP loses in Punjab

Bypolls: BJP trounces SP in strongholds, AAP loses in Punjab

Rediff.com26 Jun 2022

Consolidating its position, the Bharatiya Janata Party wrested high-profile Rampur and Azamgarh Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh from the Samajwadi Party and won three assembly seats, including that of Chief Minister Manik Saha, in Tripura in by-election results announced on Sunday.

BJP legislature party picks Yogi for UP CM, swearing-in on Friday

BJP legislature party picks Yogi for UP CM, swearing-in on Friday

Rediff.com24 Mar 2022

Yogi Adityanath was on Thursday unanimously chosen the leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party legislature party in Uttar Pradesh in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Over 60% turnout recorded as UP votes in Phase 3

Over 60% turnout recorded as UP votes in Phase 3

Rediff.com20 Feb 2022

The percentage was 63.14 per cent in Hathras, 61.89 per cent in Firozabad, 63.04 per cent in Kasganj, 65.7 per cent in Etah, 61.51 per cent in Mainpuri, 59.13 per cent in Farrukhabad, 61.93 per cent in Kannauj and 58.35 per cent in Etawah.

Modi watching, Yogi kicks off 2nd term with 52 ministers

Modi watching, Yogi kicks off 2nd term with 52 ministers

Rediff.com25 Mar 2022

The monk-turned politician will take the reins of the most populous state for a second time in a row after completing his full five-year term.

For Modi to be PM in 2024, Yogi must be CM in 2022: Amit Shah

For Modi to be PM in 2024, Yogi must be CM in 2022: Amit Shah

Rediff.com29 Oct 2021

The Union home minister also asserted that the 2022 Uttar Pradesh polls will lay the foundation for the BJP's victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

SC-appointed panel on farm laws was against their repeal

SC-appointed panel on farm laws was against their repeal

Rediff.com21 Mar 2022

The report, which was submitted to the apex court on March 19, 2021, was made public on Monday. The three-member committee had also suggested many changes in the laws, including giving freedom to states to make Minimum Support Price (MSP) system legal.

Sengar suspended from party long ago: UP BJP chief

Sengar suspended from party long ago: UP BJP chief

Rediff.com30 Jul 2019

Congressmen came out against the BJP in Lucknow staging a dharna and demanding Sengar's expulsion from the saffron party.

Will Modi's new induction in UP pose problems for Yogi?

Will Modi's new induction in UP pose problems for Yogi?

Rediff.com7 Jul 2021

'Sharma was sent to Lucknow for a purpose, but he has merely been adjusted in the party hierarchy because the chief minister refused to induct him into his government. He was secretary in the Central government and was holding a much higher office than the state ruling party's vice-president' Virendra Singh Rawat reports.

Hathras, Balrampur to feature in campaign for Nov 3 bypolls

Hathras, Balrampur to feature in campaign for Nov 3 bypolls

Rediff.com5 Oct 2020

Ashok Chowdhury, a Dalit politics expert said, "BJP had impressed the Dalits in the 2014, 2017 and 2019 elections, but it's difficiult to retain them now".

Unnao rape accused MLA features in I-Day ad with PM

Unnao rape accused MLA features in I-Day ad with PM

Rediff.com16 Aug 2019

The BJP has distanced itself from the controversy.